By Katdapba Yunana Gobum
As at the time I sat to write on this subject, I had scant knowledge about who Hon Dachung Musa Bagos is.
The test I envisaged it would pass was already evaporating even before I started. I didn’t want to be laughed at if the material went out.
And perhaps even sued; that is if I got things muddled up. As a Journalist, standing before a judge, could never be an option.
Whatever criticisms this material would receive is my responsibility to shoulder; and for which I offer sincere apologies, if they don’t meet your standards.
Now, I understand and know better how God has brought him thus far. The sheer amount of determination ensured he didn’t remain struggling for life.
He had purpose for his life, even when those who thought differently stood by, watching to confirm otherwise. He has been vindicated!
Any young person who ever thought he has been a hussler, wait until you have been told what Dachung Musa Bagos did over the years to get to where he is today.
Have you ever stayed in the Terminus market area in Jos selling CDs? Have you conceived workable ideas, yet had no one to sponsor? How about using your car to serve as mobile office, just so you can pursue a dream running an NGO?
The questions are not yet finished: Have you met a man who loves to make others happy at his detriment? Have you come in contact with a man who does not have a ‘no’ when solving people’s problems?
Come to think of it, how many politicians would sacrifice to help their constituents without thinking of the price? Are there still politicians who make attempts at satisfying people, even if such will bring pains to them?
As at the time Dachung Musa Bagos started to shoulder people’s problems, a lot of people who didn’t believe in his capacity started to read meanings into his philanthropy. Before long, the seeds of what he wanted had started to manifest its head in people’s lives across communities in the state.
When Gospel Music on the Plateau was started by him on Plateau Radio Television (PRTV), the motives behind it was commonplace: He, being the anchor, used the programme to transform lives by nurturing talents in young people through gospel music.
More to it, it was envisaged for such young persons to own acoustic guitars of their own. And importantly, so that they can ply their trade more effectively, using them.
Today, when the idea of Family Christmas Celebration is mentioned, those who know its worth recall that years ago, Hon Musa Bagos had, in conjunction with Plateau Tourism Corporation brought gospel artists to the Wildlife Park to celebrate yearly.
Have you heard about the Berom Christmas Carol? It is a yearly gathering of Berom choristers and other invited artists to celebrate Christmas at the DB Zang Commercial College, Bukuru every December; thanks to the yearly sacrifice of Hon Dachung Musa Bagos.
No wonder, at the heights of the struggle, he gave all he had in order to bring to Jos, the international gospel singer, Ron Kenolly to perform at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos. Even though it never materialise, it was an ambitious project that changed his perception.
But, the personal struggle that enabled him warm his way into the EFCC and ICPC for consulting roles could not be possible if his integrity had not been tested and found worthy of their trust.
If you come to the realisation that the struggle has been his life, only then would you get the meat of the matter about his person, and what he stands for.
He informed his listeners through what he published in the Gospel Music on the Plateau Magazine. That captured the inspiring stories of prominent musicians on the Plateau; who through them can provide direction and mentorship for others in the ministry.
While it is true that he enjoyed the glitz of the TV program, it is without doubt that his efforts were complimented with several awards to boot.
It has been established that when a man makes a mark, like the agama lizard; he needs to be complemented, and at best, encouraged.
Truth is, our paths have never crossed each other, so that busy bodies won’t go to town with a different narrative of what you are reading.
Perhaps, if you must engage yourself in it, know that I am a member of the constituency he represented in the House of Representatives. At least, I can take liberty and ask questions about his person and activities.
Bagos’ brand of activism has a conviction power; no wonder, it has repeatedly helped several causes; using the Dachung Musa Bagos Foundation as a platform.
It is on record that Vwang people in Jos South of Plateau State have a history of being involved in areas that have changed the narrative of the lives of people. Being a member of this community, his talents have not been misplaced.
It does not stop there; their activities as with other parts of the state transcend boundaries of the ordinary; just so if they can meet the needs of community members.
It has been established that the political blood flowing in his veins must have been inherited from his father. He attempted to be chairman of Jos South at some point in his life; an endeavour his father had accomplished in the defunct Jos Division several years ago.
He had a father, who, like a collosus, his influence still bestrides Berom land on account of the things he planted in the past. What is being celebrated today as Nzem Berom has his imprimatur.
It is on record that one spiritual leader, who had a profound impact on his life was Rev Victor Musa, former President of ECWA. His influence was so pronounced that he ended writing a book on: The life and times of Rev Victor Musa.
When it was apparent that he has had enough political tutelage, he showed interest in contesting for the Jos South/Jos East House of Representatives Federal Constituency.
In 2015, an ambition to represent his people he had nursed for some time did not materialise as he was prevailed upon to put it on hold.
In 2019, he returned stronger and determined to be the voice of his people. He got the nod of the federal constituency and was in the House for 4 years.
Again, even though a second tenure was realised, the ambition was scuttled in 2023 after he won the election to represent his people on account of a ruling by the Appeal Court.
In an attempt to create a meeting point for the youth of Plateau State, the G17 became a reality, as Convener of the group. Youth from the local government areas were involved in discussing policies that should favour Plateau people.
Today, many recall how he held the Lalong’s government by the jugular on account of the MoU the state government entered with Jaiz Bank to rebuild the Jos Main Market in 2022.
It is not for nothing that life, as a book, has different but interesting chapters to read. It will be out of place to think that a bad chapter will suffice to stop reading the book.
Over the years, Bagos must have ‘read with horror and a heavy heart how some villages’ have come under intense and severe attacks by Fulani herdsmen militias.
This sad recurring decimal in Bokkos, Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Riyom, Kanam and Wase has emboldened his capacity to speak for the state; while advocating that lasting peace and justice are given to the victims.
He has, without doubt, proven that he is dedicated, through the quality of representation so far given; for which his people have reason to have confidence in him.
In four years of impactful legislation, community development, and youth empowerment initiatives he has given; among many others, it is safe to conclude that the struggle has just started.
Indeed, the bells are still tolling for him. The calls by people in the district to step a notch higher in Plateau North in 2027 are deafening. They say, the voice of the people, is the voice of God.